The University of Central Arkansas on Friday announced the appointment of four academic deans, effective July 1.

The Conway school's officials named the following appointees to helm the following schools:

• Michael Hargis, an interim College of Business dean who holds a doctorate from Wayne State University in Detroit, will take the post permanently.

• Terry Wright, interim dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication who holds a Master's of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Kentucky, will fill the role on a permanent basis.

• Stephanie Bellar, interim dean of the Graduate School at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kentucky, will lead UCA's Graduate School.

• Stephen Addison, the interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics for the past two years, who holds a doctorate in physics from the University of Mississippi, will take the position permanently.

"I am honored to announce the appointment of such quality leaders as deans at the University of Central Arkansas," Steve Runge, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in a statement. "These individuals will help to lead UCA forward as we meet our strategic goals and develop programs of distinction."